I recently aquired a 1987 XJ-S. The wipers are not working though. The washer pump works but I dont' get anything from the wipers.
Since I am new to Jaguar, is there something that I should check first with this problem? Do the fuses go first? Are the motors a problem first? The switch?

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Thu, 12/22/2005 - 19:19

Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT "Silver"
Pacific Jaguar.ca

Bill, feel free to past these ads for help, that is what it is here for, quite often our members have encountered such difficulties themselves, and therefore can usually help,
Merry Christmas to you and yours, and all Jag lovers,
Sincerely, Art

Submitted by wcolclou@hotmail.com on Wed, 12/21/2005 - 22:48

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions. I am currently working on this casually as this is the holiday season.

I just checked the wipers as per your instructions. There is power there.
Here is what I have learned.

The windshield washer works.

The headlight washer doesn't.

The wipers on the windshield and the wipers on the lights do not move.

I will certainly ask fewer questions once my Hayns manual arrives.

Many thanks to everyone for assistance!

Submitted by silver007@shaw.ca on Tue, 12/20/2005 - 23:55

Art Dickenson.
1983 XJS GT "Silver"
Pacific Jaguar.ca

Hello all,
did you check that with the ignition on that there is power to both sides of the fuse, 12 volt test light trick, make sure power is actually there,dilectric silicone grease is a good thing to coat terminals with also, to stop corrosion taking place.

Submitted by wcolclou@hotmail.com on Tue, 12/20/2005 - 13:41

Thanks for the info. The washer pump is working so I won't mess around with that.
I just checked the fuse but it is ok. Now I will check the motor and the switch. I understand that there is a relay as well. Could this be something that I should test?

Submitted by dougdwyer@adel… on Mon, 12/19/2005 - 21:29

Wiper switches and motors do fail but before condeming *any* electrical component on a Jag always check fuses and connectors first.....

On your '87 I think the fuse is #9 in the main fuse panel....left side of dashboard. If you have the glass fuses---and you likely do--- don't rely on a visual inspection of the fuse, especially of it is a Lucas fuse with the little paper insert. The end of the tiny wire may have broken off inside the cap...rendering the fuse useless but not appearing to be "blown". Also make sure the fuse clips are clean and grip the fuse snugly.

The wiper motor is beneath the air intake grille at the base of the windshield. Remove the grille (on some XJSs the wiper motor is actually attached to this grille), undo the big connector and inspect for corrosion.

The washer pump is on it's own circuit and fuse so don't let it become a red herring .....

Good luck

Doug Dwyer
Longview Washington USA
1987 XJ6 Ser III
1988 XJS V12 Coupe